Blake Davis on 15 Years as an independent UK roadway supplier
Fifteen years ago, Davis Trackhire began with a simple idea, that the UK needed a temporary roadway supplier built on service, reliability and genuine family values. What started as two brothers, a small yard and a handful of aluminium panels has grown into the largest independent UK roadway supplier, trusted nationwide for safe, efficient and dependable trackway solutions.
As the business celebrates this milestone, we sat down with Co-Founder Blake Davis to reflect on the journey so far, the innovations that have shaped the company, and why staying independent still matters to customers across the UK.
Reflecting on the journey
What made you start Davis Trackhire, and did you ever imagine it would grow into what it is today?
Back then, the aluminium roadway market was small, just a handful of suppliers, and we felt there was space for a family-run business that genuinely put service first. We certainly didn’t imagine becoming the largest independent UK roadway supplier or the third-largest stockholder overall, but that growth has come from sticking to our values from day one.
Looking back over the past 15 years, what moments really stand out?
Winning the heavy-duty ground protection contract for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics was a huge early milestone. But our more recent “big win” was building our senior management team between 2019–2020. We recruited the best people in the industry to lead each department and promoted from within, Rob Palmer stepping into Head of Sales being a perfect example. That team has been transformative.
How has the trackway and construction landscape changed since you started?
Interestingly, the core expectations haven’t changed much. Customers still want quality kit, a reliable service, and a team they can trust to deliver on time. That’s what we’ve focused on since day one, and it’s why we’ve continued to grow, especially now, when many customers prefer working with a dedicated, UK-owned independent supplier.
Technology
You were the first in the UK to roll out remote-drive trucks. What sparked the idea, and how has it changed site work?
It actually started after seeing a Volvo advert for remote-control trucks on TV. When no UK dealers could help, we went looking for the right technology ourselves. Since rolling it out, both our customers and installation teams have said the same thing, it’s a game changer. Productivity is up, manoeuvring is safer, and our crews get far better visibility on tight sites.
Any other technology that’s made a big difference day-to-day?
Absolutely. We’ve embraced tech across the whole business, stock management software, digital job packs, smarter scheduling tools… anything that helps our teams work safer and more efficiently. We’re always looking for the next smart solution.
And are there any new innovations on the horizon?
There are a few exciting ones in the pipeline. We’ll keep them under wraps for now, we prefer to develop something properly before unveiling it to the market.
Safety
You’ve been recognised as Scotland’s Top Road Safety Operator. What sets you apart?
It’s the combination of several things. We achieved FORS Silver and then went further, fitting every vehicle with seven cameras so our logistics team can monitor road and onsite activity in real time. Our remote-drive system gives drivers ground-level visibility during manoeuvres, and we operate a driver incentive scheme to keep safety and compliance at the forefront. It’s all part of our culture.
Your onboard welfare pods are impressive, where did the idea come from?
When Travis and I were the first drivers in the business, we asked ourselves: If we were still on the road now, what would make life better? The answer was simple, proper welfare. That’s why our vehicles now have full toilet and shower facilities, bunks, a coffee machine, microwave, fridge-freezer… everything you’d need for long shifts and remote work. It means our teams can focus on the job, not on where they’ll stop next.
Looking forward
What big shifts do you see coming in the industry?
Safety will continue to be the number one priority. Standards are rising across the board, and we intend to stay ahead of the curve in both practice and innovation.
Sustainability is becoming more important, what steps are Davis Trackhire taking?
Our aluminium and composite panels have always been fully recyclable. We continuously modernise our fleet with more efficient engines, and we’re actively exploring electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. Sustainability isn’t a trend for us, it’s built into how we operate.
Any exciting projects or plans you can share?
Our focus has always been on being the best specialist ground protection and independent UK roadway supplier. We don’t dilute our service by diversifying into unrelated products. Our customers value working with experts, and our goal is to keep raising the standard in our field.
As a pioneering independent UK roadway supplier, do you have any advice for the next generation
What advice would you give someone starting out in this industry?
Work hard, leave a tidy job, and deliver what you promise. If you get those basics right, you’ll never go far wrong.
Davis Trackhire, an independent UK roadway supplier and a family business built on trust
As Davis Trackhire marks 15 years in business, the independent UK roadway supplier remains proudly family-run, not just by Blake and Travis, but with several families working within the wider team. In a market now seeing more consolidation and overseas ownership, more customers are turning to UK-based independent suppliers who offer reliability, accountability and a genuinely personal service.
With a close-knit team, investment in industry-leading technology and a commitment to doing one thing exceptionally well, Davis Trackhire continues to set the benchmark for trusted, reliable trackway hire across the UK. Here’s to the next chapter and to delivering temporary roadway solutions that raise the standard for years to come.